Happy Birthday!! Awesome Austin is 12!

It is amzing how time really does FLY! On February 16th Austin turned 12 years old! We are so amazed at how quickly he is growing and maturing. He is a very talented and sweet young man, and we are so very thankful that he is enjoying life as a 12 year old. As of January 2008, he and his sister, Lindsey, began the life of "homeschooling" again with their mom and dad assisting them. We are using a solid curriculum through Arizona Virtual Academy, and the nationwide sponsor is K-12.com. We receive a huge amount of support from them which includes free textbooks, workbooks, computers, and even teacher support via telephone and computer. It has been a big adjustment for our family, but we are all doing well with the change. It is the best curriculum by far that we have ever seen or used. For the past 3 years, they were attending a good charter school, but the "travel time" was becoming too difficult for our family. Austin says he is actually learning more now than he did at his other school. Instead of "being held back" (even within an "honors" class) he is able to progress at his own pace. He actually has started more advanced math for 6th grade, and his friends from his old school are envious that their teacher will not allow them to progress in math. I am happy that he spends more time reading about history and science, and is actually soaking in the subject matter! As far as the "social outings" he has plenty to do with baseball season starting now, participating with his new church outings and homeschool activities. Of course, our own family is busy with many neat activities as well. Austin's favorite family outing this month was attending the "NFL Experience" at the Super Bowl with his dad, sister, and 2 younger brothers. They all had a BLAST, and loved the "obstacle courses" and many other activities there. One of his favorite books that he loves to read has always been the Bible, and we are still very thankful that he tries to live His life in obedience to God's Word. We are mindful of the fact that he is drawing close to his "teen years" and are thankful that he is continuing to bless God and others around him.